By: Tebogo Mokwena
Skills academy Digify Africa is aiming to give unemployed young people access to quality education to leverage entrepreneurship opportunities in digital marketing through its Digify Pro Online programme. South Africa has massive potential in the digital space, but the country must continue to find ways to enable broader participation and support for digital enterprises, according to Digify Pro Project Manager Menzi Mhlongo.
Mhlongo spoke to Vutivi News about the programme, which is free, and its impact on building skills to work in the digital marketing space. Digify Pro Online is a 10-week programme, which focuses on modules such as social media, content marketing, digital marketing, web design with WordPress, introduction to eCommerce, and digital entrepreneurship. Upon completion, participants receive a Meta Blueprint Marketing Associate Certificate. The programme also comes with post-programme support and assists the participants to secure entry-level jobs, internships and freelance opportunities.
It allows participants to learn at their own pace and they are tested through weekly assessments. They are also exposed to live client briefs, which are set by leading brands and agencies. To date, it has upskilled more than 10,000 young people in South Africa and the rest of the continent, with many of them have established themselves as entrepreneurs. According to Mhlongo, the more entrepreneurial activity must be encouraged in the digital space.
“The business landscape will continue to evolve as new digital technologies emerge, and young people need to be supported with the right tools to participate fully,” he said. “Entrepreneurship is a critical economic driver, and we need to encourage more entrepreneurial activities in the digital space.” Digify Africa Chief Operating Officer Qhakaza Mohare agreed and said that investing in upskilling the youth was essential to the growth of South Africa’s digital economy.
“Our goal with Digify Pro Online is to help young people leverage economic opportunities for employment or entrepreneurship,” Mohare said. The programme is open to all unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 35, and applications close on 28 February. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit Digify Africa’s website to apply for the programme, which is set to begin on 15 March.
